About This Book
Reach for this book when your child has a case of the 'wiggles' or needs a boost of confidence in their physical abilities. Eric Carle uses his signature vibrant collage style to invite children into a joyful call and response game where animals challenge them to mimic various movements. From bending necks like a giraffe to thumping chests like a gorilla, each page builds toward a triumphant 'I can do it!' response. This is more than just a book about exercise, it is a developmental tool that builds body awareness, listening skills, and the pride of accomplishment. It is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are discovering what their bodies can do. Parents will appreciate how it transforms storytime into an active, bonding experience that celebrates a child's growing autonomy and physical coordination.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
A high-energy three-year-old who struggles to sit still for traditional stories, or a child who is starting a new physical activity like gymnastics or dance and needs a boost of confidence in their coordination.
Parent Prep
This is a high-participation book. Read it cold, but be prepared to stand up and move alongside your child. It works best when the adult also attempts the movements, modeling that movement is fun for everyone. A parent might reach for this when their child is feeling frustrated by a task they can't quite master yet, or conversely, when a child is 'climbing the walls' and needs a structured outlet for physical energy.
Age Experience
For a one-year-old, this is a vocabulary builder for body parts and animal names. For a four-year-old, it is a mastery challenge and a chance to show off their growing athletic skills and ability to follow multi-step instructions.
What Makes It Special
Unlike most animal books that focus on sounds, this focuses on kinetic empathy. It uses the 'Can you? I can!' refrain to build a psychological link between observation and action, fostering a 'can-do' attitude through physical play.
Read plot summary
A series of animals (penguin, giraffe, buffalo, monkey, seal, gorilla, cat, crocodile, camel, donkey, elephant) introduce themselves and a specific body movement. They ask the reader, 'Can you do it?' and a child character responds, 'I can do it!' while performing the action.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Which animal's movement was the hardest for you to copy? Why was it tricky?
2
If you were a brand new animal in this book, what movement would you ask me to do?
3
How does your body feel after we finish the whole book: do you feel sleepy or full of energy?
4
The child in the book says 'I can do it!' every time. How do you feel when you try something new and finally get it right?
